A big surprise was awaiting C. Andrew Nelson when he arrived to speak on his panel at the recent IGX Intergalactic Expo in West Sacramento, California. Escorted into the room by members of the Rebel Legion, Andrew was presented with an Honorary Membership in the group for his many contributions to the Star Wars franchise.
The Rebel Legion in an international fan-based volunteer organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate Star Wars Rebel Alliance costumes. The group was founded in 2000 and is sanctioned by Lucasfilm. Members frequently appear at private and public events, especially charitable fundraisers.
“I am blown away by this,” Andrew said as he was presented with a beautiful plaque and official Honorary Member badge. “Everybody knows of my service to the empire,” stated Andrew who among his career highlights spent twelve years portraying Darth Vader for Lucasfilm and the Lucas companies, “However I have probably done just as much work for the rebels.”
Indeed he has. As a visual effects artist and animator, Andrew helped create many Star Wars games at LucasArts Entertainment Company and worked on the effects for the Star Wars prequels at Industrial Light & Magic. He also voiced the character of Luke Skywalker for numerous LucasArts games.
“This means to much to me, I can’t even begin to tell you,” Andrew told the representatives of the Rebel Legion. Though this was a Rebel honor being bestowed upon him, Andrew couldn’t resist letting his dark side peek through for a moment as he quoted the infamous villain he spent so much time playing, “This will be a day long remembered.”